Ukulele Warehouse » Vintage

Buy Martin Ukulele

ukewarehouse — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:11:47 +0000

Martin ukuleles are the most respected brand of ukuleles ever produced. They are certainly the most collectable with many obsessive Martin-hunters around.

In recent years, the price that vintage Martin ukuleles has fetched has risen considerably. Particularly the koa models. However, prices have dropped a little in the recession with the number of Martin ukuleles cropping up on eBay rising noticeably.

As well as the vintage range, Martin also produce new ukuleles. However, these tend not to be as highly prized as the vintage ukes.

Martin Ukuleles currently on eBay

VINTAGE 1927 37 MARTIN UKULELE STYLE 1 VERY GOOD CONDITION ALL ORIGINAL
US $1,400.00

Martin 2 Tenor Ukulele w gig bag New
US $949.00

Vintage Martin Ukulele Old Hawaii Instrument Works Plays Well
US $449.55

Sizes and Models

Martin Style 0
Martin Style 1
Martin Style 2 and 2K
Martin Style 3 and 3K
Martin Style 5K
Martin S-O

Martins on Video

This video by Ukulelezaza gives a great overview of a few of the different styles of Martin. In it he plays a 1950s style 0, a 1960s style 1, a 1920s style 2 and a 1940s style 3.

And here's another Martin collection show-off video from krouk.

Martin 5K Ukulele

ukewarehouse — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:09:35 +0000

The Martin 5K is the Rolls Royce of ukuleles. Classy, exceptionally well built and very pricey. They are the top of the range, made of solid koa and exquisitely decorated.

The most obvious things that immediately show the ukulele to be a 5K model are the flowery design on the peghead and the snowflake and diamond inlays on the fretboard.

The original 5K was discontinued by Martin in 1940. However, they have recently started producing them again. The word on the new models is that they aren't up to the vintage models. Whether this is because they haven't had time to 'open up' as the old ones have, only time will tell.

What is certain is that you are likely to have to pay much more for a vintage model. The current price for a new 5K is $4,199. The price for vintage models varies, but you can expect to pay well into 5 figures for a mint condition model.

Currently on eBay

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Martin 5K on Video

Martin ukes have cropped up a couple of times on Antiques Roadshow. In this appearance, the Martin 5K ukulele was valued at $10,000 to $12,000. It's in excellent condition and I'd say the valuation was fairly accurate.

Martin Style 3 and 3K

ukewarehouse — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:09:32 +0000

The Martin Style 3 is one step down from the 5K, but was also intended for use by professional musicians. It is still a very highly sought after instrument. Top quality vintage 3Ks can sell for many thousands of dollars.

The most distinctive features of the Style 3 is the } shape on the body and the stripe down the centre of the neck. The 3K model is exactly the same as but made from solid koa rather than mahogany. Today, the koa model tends to fetch a much higher price than the mahogany. Partly because koa is now much rarer and partly because they look much better (and, of course, there is the Hawaiian connection). There is some difference in tone, but I wouldn't say one is superior to the other - certainly not enough to justify the price difference.

Like the 5K, the 3K's popularity has lead to Martin resurrecting it. They currently offer a Koa Style 3 (at $1,899) and also a Cherry model (at $1,499).

Currently for Sale on eBay

Eearly 1940s Martin Style 3 Style Kiwaya Soprano Ukulele KTS 7 Made in Japan
US $1,100.00

RARE VINTAGE UKE 1960s CUSTOM MARTIN 3K SOPRANO UKULELE Ukulelefriendcom
US $5,500.00

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On Video

Here Brian Hefferan plays a vintage koa Style 3K Martin.

Martin Style 1 and 1K

ukewarehouse — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:09:26 +0000

The Martin Style 1 is a straight forward instrument without much ornamentation. But they are still very much prized for their sound and economy of construction.

It's very easy to get the Style 0 and Style 1 mixed up. The quickest way to spot the difference between a Style 0 and a Style 1 is to check the 7th fret. A Style 1 will have have a double-dot fret marker whereas the Style 0 will have only a single dot. Also, if the instrument is koa it will be a Style 1 as the Style 0 was only produced in mahogany.

Currently for Sale on eBay

VINTAGE 1927 37 MARTIN UKULELE STYLE 1 VERY GOOD CONDITION ALL ORIGINAL
US $1,400.00

VINTAGE MARTIN UKULELE STYLE 1 KOA 1 K RARE UKE BRIGHT WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
US $1,999.00

Martin S1 Ukulele NEW
US $306.00

VINTAGE MARTIN UKULELE STYLE 1 KOA 1 K RARE UKE BRIGHT WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
US $1,999.00

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On Video

In this video, Krouk plays a traditional Hawaiian tune on his 1920s Martin 1K.

Martin Style 0

ukewarehouse — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:09:22 +0000

The Style 0 was the simplest and cheapest of all the Martin ukuleles. It has no ornamentation at all apart from a dark ring around the soundhole. However, it does have the craft and construction associated with Martin ukuleles so still commands a good price today (a few hundred dollars for one in good condition).

Currently for Sale on eBay

MARTIN UKULELE SOPRANO STYLE 0 1915 EARLY 1920s VINTAGE MUSICAL UKE
US $599.00

MARTIN UKULELE SOPRANO STYLE 0 1920s VINTAGE MUSICAL UKE
US $1,199.99

MARTIN UKULELE SOPRANO STYLE 0 1920s VINTAGE MUSICAL UKE REPAIRED
US $949.99

On Video

Krouk strums out in a Roy Smeck type rendition of Ain't She Sweet on his Martin Style 0.